The IPL cricket tournament has been suspended indefinitely as tensions between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan continue to escalate.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the decision to halt the prestigious Twenty20 competition with immediate effect.
A source told IANS India: "BCCI wants to stand with the nation at this time and thus suspends IPL 2025 with immediate effect".
They added the suspension was 'indefinite at the moment'.
The IPL has been suspended amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan
Reuters
The suspension follows dramatic scenes at an IPL clash between the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, which was abandoned mid-match due to security concerns. Reports emerged of stadium staff claiming people were shouting "bombs are coming" as floodlights were extinguished.
Players were promptly removed from the pitch amid the chaos, with television coverage also going off air where former England bowler Graeme Swann was part of the commentary team.
The BCCI later issued a statement attributing the disruption to a "significant technical failure".
Punjab Kings' game against Dehli Capital was abandoned due to security fears
Reuters
The incident highlights the growing tension between the two nations that has now spilled over into the sporting arena, as the military conflict between India and Pakistan has intensified dramatically in recent days along the de facto border in Kashmir.
Hostilities escalated early Wednesday morning when India launched a barrage of missile strikes on nine targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Islamabad has accused India of deliberately targeting civilians in these attacks, and Pakistan responded with days of intense shelling across the border.
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The situation has grown increasingly volatile, with border clashes continuing after several Indian missile strikes and drone attacks.
The conflict zone remains centred on the disputed Kashmir region, where the de facto border has become the flashpoint for this potentially catastrophic confrontation.
Pakistan's military operations have resulted in significant casualties, with information minister Attuallah Tarar claiming between '40-50 Indian soldiers' have been killed in the past two days.
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The tensions have been rising between India and Pakistan
Reuters
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that India was "panicked by the elimination of its five modern jets, several drones and soldier deaths".
Pakistan's prime minister has taken a triumphant tone amid the conflict, bragging that it 'took only a few hours' to bring the Indian military 'to its knees', and Pakistani officials have vowed to get revenge for 'every drop of blood' spilt in the deadly conflict.
Indian officials asserted they successfully 'neutralised' all Pakistani air attacks.
Each nation continues to claim defensive success while accusing the other of aggression.The conflict shows no signs of de-escalation as both nuclear powers maintain their military postures.
With the IPL now suspended indefinitely, the sporting casualty underscores the severity of the situation.
The cricket tournament's fate remains uncertain as the two nations continue their dangerous military confrontation in Kashmir.
